Lightning strike sparks 6 blazes

Friday

Jul 5, 2013 at 1:18 PMJul 5, 2013 at 1:24 PM

By Ami RidlingDaily News Staff Writer

Editor’s note: This report is as of July 3.

BUTTE VALLEY – Dry lightning strikes resulted in six small vegetation blazes on state and Klamath National Forest land in Butte Valley on Tuesday afternoon and early Wednesday morning, said Ken Sandusky, national forest spokesperson.

The fires broke out near Macdoel. Firefighters responded to two blazes on state land and four on federal land. No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. The devastation from each fire ranged in size from one-half acre to one acre, confirmed Suzi Brady, CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) spokesperson.

The fires were swiftly contained, though crews are keeping a close eye on them as smoldering temperatures threaten re-ignition.

According to Sandusky and Brady, crews were dispatched to the vegetation blazes beginning at approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The two vegetation fires on state land were contained, and crews worked until 1 a.m. Wednesday to mop up the blazes and prevent flare-ups.

Brady said crews would be checking hot spots on Wednesday, and CAL FIRE personnel deployed an aircraft to monitor potential “sleeper fires” that could be prompted by the daytime heat.

Meanwhile, firefighters are closely monitoring the areas surrounding the four small blazes on national forest land, said Sandusky. As of Wednesday, two helicopters (for water attacks), a dozer, five engines and two 10-person hand crews were ensuring that hot spots do not result in re-ignition. An airplane was deployed to monitor the area. Fire personnel were prepared for more dry lightning on Wednesday, and Sandusky and Brady said crews anticipate additional lightning strikes.